FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you join us for a VNO Retreat, you'll get to spend an epic week in nature surfing and relaxing in Costa Rica. We'll send you a welcome packet with all the details you need to know before you come, including a suggested packing list and waivers to sign.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
We’re on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Air travel to Costa Rica is NOT included in your retreat package. The first and last days are considered travel days. Roundtrip airport transfers to and from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to our retreat location ARE included in your retreat package. Our shuttle bus will pick you up from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) area the day of the Retreat at a specific time and take you to the retreat location. We will provide shuttle pick-up details a week before the retreat date.
DO I HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO SURF TO ATTEND VNOIRE RETREATS?
Not even. You can enjoy hanging out on the beach or trust our competent and compassionate surf coaches who will support you in achieving the ultimate expression on the waves. We welcome all shapes, sizes and skill levels to experince the sensational feeling of dancing with the ocean.
IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT TO ATTEND VNOIRE RETREATS?
We welcome all folks who are 21 years and over in age to attend.
WILL I HAVE TO SHARE A ROOM DURING VNOIRE RETREATS?
Yes. You will be paired with one other retreat attendee to share a beautiful, private cabana, spacious and complete with private patio or balcony and bathroom. At this time we are unable to offer single-person accommodations.
MY FRIEND AND I WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND VNOIRE RETREATS TOGETHER. CAN WE REQUEST TO SHARE THE SAME ROOM?
Absolutely! Additional information will be provided upon confirmation of your retreat booking. If you are interested in requesting a specific roommate for the retreat, please let us know prior to the retreat date.
WHAT IS THE RETREAT ITINERARY?
We typically do not publish the retreat itinerary on our website, it is for confirmed VNoire Retreat attendees.
I HAVE SPECIFIC DIETARY RESTRICTIONS. WOULD I STILL BE ABLE TO ATTENDÂ VNOIRE RETREATS?
We offer locally sourced plant-based and pescatarian options for all meals, organic, where possible. If you have any other dietary restrictions or allergies, please reach out to us prior to completing your retreat booking.
WHAT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS DO I NEED FOR COSTA RICA?
You will need a valid passport to enter and exit Costa Rica. Your passport must have at least six months remaining before the expiration date to be valid. Costa Rica does not require a Visa from most countries. Check with the Costa Rican Embassy for more information on travel documentation, immunizations, and requirements. http://www.costarica-embassy.org/.
WHAT ARE THE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS FOR COSTA RICA RIGHT NOW?
You will need to complete any required COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and documentation prior to arriving at the airport and boarding your flight for Costa Rica. Please refer to the US Embassy in Costa Rica page for detailed, updated requirements and all vaccine information regarding COVID-related travel to Costa Rica: https://cr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/. Beginning April 1, 2022, the Health Pass and travel insurance policy requirements will be eliminated for all individuals. However, a travel insurance policy is recommended to cover medical expenses and lodging in the event of COVID-19 infection. See more details here: www.visitcostarica.com. Approved International health insurance coverage is required for some travelers. Please find more detailed information about approved international health insurance here: www.visitcostarica.com.
DO VNOIRE RETREATS REQUIRE GUESTS TO BE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19?
No. While we take every precaution and measure to ensure safety and compliance with Costa Rican protocols, we feel vaccination is a still a personal choice and is not required at this time for participation at VNoire Retreats. Costa Rica just announced a new vaccine mandate. Beginning December 1, 2021, Costa Rica will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination to enter many businesses including hotels, restaurants, and bars. This mandate pertains to all Costa Ricans and foreigners. Please find more information about the December 1, 2021 mandate here: https://ticotimes.net/2021/10/19/costa-rica-vaccine-mandate-what-we-know. We require all booked guests to complete our Covid-19 screening form prior to arrival to the retreat. This form will be in your welcome packet.
BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Deposit and Cancellation Policy
DEPOSITS:
All retreat deposits are non-refundable.
PAYMENT BALANCE:
The payment balance, calculated as the total retreat cost minus the deposit, must be paid 60 days before the retreat begins.
REFUND POLICY:
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For cancellations made 30 days or more before the retreat start date, you will receive a refund of 50% of the payment balance (excluding the non-refundable deposit).
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If you cancel less than 30 days before the retreat start date, no refunds will be given.
CANCELLATION INFORMATION:
When you book a retreat through our website, the stated cancellation policy applies. There are no refunds or credits given for non-attendance, incomplete participation, or for arriving late or leaving early.
Before booking a retreat, please ensure that you have read and understood the cancellation policy.
We recognize that unexpected events may occur, impacting your ability to attend the retreat. In such cases, please note that our cancellation policy remains unchanged, and we do not provide refunds for non-attendance. It is crucial to understand this policy before booking the retreat.
VNO Retreats reserves the right to cancel any retreat that does not meet the minimum participant requirement. In such cases, all payments made to VNO Retreats will be fully refunded. We will provide cancellation notifications due to insufficient participants at least one month prior to the scheduled retreat start date.
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LIABILITY RELEASE FORMS
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Emphasizing Safety and Enjoyment at VNoire Retreats
At VNoire Retreats, we care deeply about the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of our participants and staff. To create a secure and delightful experience for everyone, we kindly request all attendees to adhere to the following requirements:
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Liability Release Waiver: We ask that all participants complete, sign, and submit a liability release waiver before attending a VNoire Retreat. This waiver serves as a mutual understanding between attendees and VNoire Retreats, helping to ensure a smooth and worry-free experience.
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Health and Wellness Acknowledgment: To maintain a safe and healthy environment, we kindly request that participants complete and submit a health and wellness acknowledgment form before attending. This measure allows us to be aware of any potential health concerns and make necessary accommodations.
Please note that participants who do not provide the signed liability release waiver and health and wellness acknowledgment forms prior to arrival will not be allowed to attend VNoire Retreats and will forfeit all refund eligibility.
These essential documents will be included in your welcome packet, which will be provided upon booking. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in making VNoire Retreats a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.